EL DORADO (AP) — Ouachita County Judge Mike Hesterly has pleaded not guilty to new charges handed down by a grand jury earlier this month.

Hesterly was charged in January with bribery and conspiracy after federal prosecutors accused him of defrauding the federal government out of disaster relief funds following the 2009 tornadoes in Ouachita County.

The El Dorado News-Times reported Thursday that Hesterly and co-defendant Harry Clemons Jr. waived their right to an arraignment this week. Trial is set for Nov. 4.

Federal prosecutors allege that Hesterly awarded a nearly $70,000 disaster relief contract to Clemons in exchange for a campaign contribution in excess of $5,000. Both men have denied the allegations.

Earlier this month, a superseding indictment was filed that adds an additional bribery count and one count of making a false statement to authorities. The new charge against Hesterly arises from a November 2011 conversation between the county judge and FBI Special Agent Nick Powe.

According to the indictment, Powe asked Hesterly if he requested money in exchange for the issuance of the disaster relief contract. Hesterly responded: “I didn’t solicit any money ... didn’t get any money.”

He was charged with making a false, fictitious and fraudulent statement during the course of a criminal investigation. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison.

A series of violent storms hit Ouachita County in late October 2009. One northeast of Camden was on the ground for 10 miles, causing significant damage near the Arkansas Fire Training Academy before lifting near Bearden.

Another tornado near Louann was on the ground for nearly 20 miles that damaged at South Arkansas Tech, and a third twister near Amy downed thousands of trees.

FEMA provides assistance to local governments following disasters, provided the work is arranged through sealed bids.